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Search indexed NASA NTRS and DOE OSTI research on propulsion, heat transfer, battery materials and energy systems. Follow report and document links to the original sources.

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At least 343 records · Page 19
All sourcesNASA NTRSDOE OSTI
DOE OSTI2020

Sedimentary Geothermal Resources in Nevada, Utah, Colorado, and Texas

The objectives of this project were to (1) perform a literature review of sedimentary geothermal resources, (2) identify data sources and develop data-collection methodologies that characterize selected resources, (3) screen sedimentary basins and formations for sedimentary geothermal potential, and (4) evaluate the technical feasibility of one or more selected locations. Numerous publications have characterized geothermal resources within sedimentary basins. A literature search reviewed publications describing resources located in Colorado, Louisiana, Nevada, Texas, Utah, and Wyoming. The most attractive resources have high temperature gradients, low drilling costs, and reservoir permeabilities greater than 10 millidarcies (mD). Prospects in Colorado, Nevada, Texas, and Utah exhibit attractive characteristics and were chosen for further analysis. Sedimentary resources in Nevada and Utah are most attractive, followed by tested resources in Texas and untested resources in Colorado. The identified resources in Wyoming and Louisiana had lower geothermal gradients and were not evaluated. Reservoir modeling and techno-economic analysis were performed at Marys River Basin–North in Nevada. Geothermal energy production at this location is expected to have a levelized cost of energy (LCOE) ranging between 10 and 20 cents/kWh. Additional work may result in lower LCOE estimates at this location and at other attractive prospects in these three regions. The Great Basin carbonate and alluvial aquifer system of eastern Nevada and western Utah includes a lower carbonate aquifer unit, which has the potential for hosting both conduction- and convection-dominated geothermal systems. Mapping has identified lateral thickness variability expressed as a roughly 120–150-km-wide central corridor, which hosts the thickest and most continuous formations and extends from near Las Vegas north to the Idaho border. Purchase and analysis of privately held legacy seismic data could potentially compensate for the lack of sufficient data documenting measured depth to the lower carbonate aquifer unit. Multiple orogenies, extension episodes, and intrusive events have deformed and displaced the target formations of the lower carbonate aquifer unit. This structural complexity and potential for dipping reservoirs emphasizes the need for detailed geological, geophysical, and reservoir modeling. Heat flow within three Colorado sedimentary basins reviewed as part of this study was calculated in targeted studies by the Colorado Geologic Survey and Colorado School of Mines. These calculations are based on bottom-hole temperature data sets with significant limitations and some variability but produce values consistently higher than the global continental average of 65 mW/m2 for all three basins. Heat flow in the Raton Basin is the highest; however, permeability measurements from specific sedimentary formations with high heat flow have not been obtained. Promising formations for sedimentary geothermal systems were found in all three regions studied—Nevada-Utah, Colorado, and Texas. The next steps for developing sedimentary geothermal resources vary due to differences in available data and resource uncertainties. Additional scopes of work are recommended for identified basins in these three regions.

15 GEOTHERMAL ENERGY↗
DOE OSTI2026

Opportunities and challenges in thermochemical conversion of municipal solid waste: A comprehensive review

Recent advancements in thermochemical conversion processes have elucidated new pathways for converting municipal solid waste into valuable resources. This review explores the primary thermochemical conversion methods, including combustion, gasification, pyrolysis, torrefaction, hydrothermal carbonization, and hydrothermal liquefaction, emphasizing their potential roles in waste management and energy recovery. Key challenges including feedstock variability, ash behavior, and scale-up limitations are discussed alongside opportunities for hybrid systems and circular economy integration. A comparative analysis of research publications indicates a significant focus on thermochemical pathways within the broader context of municipal solid waste research, underscoring the growing interest in these technologies. Recent advancements in each thermochemical process, alongside their operational, technical, and economic challenges, are discussed. Comparative data reveal that torrefaction enhances the hydrophobicity and grindability of municipal solid waste components, though its energy densification benefits are more modest than those observed in biomass. Hydrothermal carbonization and liquefaction are highlighted for their ability to process high-moisture and heterogeneous waste streams. The review also synthesizes recent findings on reactor configurations, emissions control, and synergistic effects in co-processing municipal solid waste fractions. The findings underscore the importance of developing standardized protocols for municipal solid waste characterization and the need for innovative hybrid systems to improve efficiency.

99 - GENERAL AND MISCELLANEOUS↗
NASA NTRS1983

Space power distribution system technology. Volume 1: Reference EPS design

The multihundred kilowatt electrical power aspects of a mannable space platform in low Earth orbit is analyzed from a cost and technology viewpoint. At the projected orbital altitudes, Shuttle launch and servicing are technically and economically viable. Power generation is specified as photovoltaic consistent with projected planning. The cost models and trades are based upon a zero interest rate (the government taxes concurrently as required), constant dollars (1980), and costs derived in the first half of 1980. Space platform utilization of up to 30 years is evaluated to fully understand the impact of resupply and replacement as satellite missions are extended. Such lifetimes are potentially realizable with Shuttle servicing capability and are economically desirable.

Decker, D. K.↗
DOE OSTI2025

MRCI Subtask 2.1: Defining Sub-Regional Carbon Storage Systems Final Technical Summary Report

In order to assess the regional and subregional geologic framework of the MRCI area and expand carbon dioxide (CO2) storage characterization efforts in this larger region, the current state of geologic knowledge relative to carbon storage (CS) has been summarized by compiling available geologic data and interpretive results into a centralized resource under Subtask 2.1. The MRCI region is a large area, which includes (1) part of the Forest City Basin and Western Arches, (2) Illinois Basin, (3) Upper Mississippi Embayment, (4) Michigan Basin, (5) Central Arches, (6) Appalachian Basin, and (7) Atlantic Coastal Plain and West Atlantic basins. Basins and arches are subdivided into areas of similar geology based on geologic structures and state-specific stratigraphic nomenclature. A concerted effort was made to present the current understanding of rock-unit stratigraphy in the subsurface of each basin and arch region (and subdivisions therein). Rock units are characterized based on their relative CS potential (saline reservoirs, confining intervals, etc.) within CS systems. CS systems are defined by regional confining units (usually thick, widespread shales), and contain all reservoirs and strata between the regional confining units. Report Authors – Steve Greb and Tom Sparks (Kentucky Geological Survey), Mark Kelley, Sanjay Mawalkar, John Hershberger, Priya Ravi Ganesh, Derrick James, and Stuart Skopec (Battelle), Charles Bopp, Yaghoob Lasemi and Hannes Leetaru (deceased) (Illinois State Geological Survey), Kristin Carter (Pennsylvania Geological Survey), William Harrison (Michigan Geological Repository for Research and Education – Michigan Geological Survey), Susan Pool (West Virginia Geological and Economic Survey), James McDonald (Ohio Geological Survey), John Schmelz (Rutgers University), Ryan Clark (Iowa Geological Survey). Other Technical Contributors – Seth Carpenter and John Hickman (Kentucky Geological Survey), Jessica Moore, Eric Lewis, Philip Dinterman, Timothy Vance, and Gary Daft (West Virginia Geological and Economic Survey), Michele Cooney, Robin Anthony, Cheyenne Woodward, and Katherine Schmid (Pennsylvania Geological Survey), Autumn Haagsma and Amber Conner (Michigan Geological Repository for Research and Education – Michigan Geological Survey), Kenneth Miller (Rutgers University), Ashley Douds and Valerie Beckham-Feller (Indiana Geological & Water Survey), Michael Solis (Ohio Geological Survey).

Appalachian,Arches,Forest City,Illinois,MRCI,Michi↗
DOE OSTI2024

Self-Assembling Cell-Free Systems for Scalable Bioconversion

This project focused on developing cell-free systems to directly express multi-enzyme catalysts and perform CO2 bioconversions for industrial chemical production. The use of cell-free expression (CFE) systems derived from bacterial lysates is emerging as a promising approach for biomanufacturing. CFEs are genetically programmable, permit the expression of toxic enzymes, and allow for rapid prototyping of metabolic pathways. Research Contributions: 1. Understanding the Area Investigated: This research advances the understanding of cell-free systems by demonstrating their capability to perform complex multi-enzyme reactions. By directly expressing multi-gene systems, CFEs avoid the high costs and inefficiencies associated with producing and purifying enzymes for multi-step pathways. 2. Technical Effectiveness and Economic Feasibility: The project successfully engineered a CFE-based multienzyme biocatalyst for the de novo synthesis of serine and glycine from CO2 equivalents (formate and bicarbonate) and ammonia. This method achieved a 30% conversion rate of formate into these industrially important amino acids. Additionally, an 8-gene CFE biocatalyst was developed to produce malate, conserving 43% of carbon that would otherwise be lost as CO2. This approach has the potential to reach higher carbon efficiency than microbial production. 3. Public Benefit: The cell-free production of chemicals like serine, glycine, and malate using electrochemically generated formate could significantly reduce CO2 emissions. For example, satisfying the global malate market with this method could avoid approximately 400,000 tons of CO2 emissions annually. This work demonstrates the potential of CFE systems to produce platform chemicals, contributing to environmental sustainability and reducing reliance on petrochemicals. Future Prospects: The CFE-based biocatalyst process could be extended to produce a variety of chemicals, including other industrial di-acids, aromatics, terpenes, alcohols, and polymers. This project showcases the capabilities of cell-free expression systems for prototyping carbon-conserving pathways and sustainably bioproducing platform chemicals, marking a significant step towards economically-viable industrial processes.

37 INORGANIC, ORGANIC, PHYSICAL, AND ANALYTICAL CH↗
DOE OSTI2025

Overcoming Challenges to Nuclear-Maritime Applications

This report is the fifth deliverable in a series of reports set forth by the Department of Energy (DOE), led by the American Bureau of Shipping (ABS), for the research award titled “Accelerating Commercial Maritime Demonstration Projects for Advanced Nuclear Reactor Technologies.” The report highlights guidance to bridge the gaps between innovative nuclear technologies and their practical implementation in maritime environments. The previous reports discussed specific technical, economic and regulatory challenges that may be expected when developing and establishing advanced nuclear technologies for commercial maritime applications. This report supports the mission of the U.S. National Reactor Innovation Center (NRIC) to demonstrate projects with industry and acts as a resource for the various stakeholders associated with the development of novel applications for advanced reactors. The previous reports discuss the interest in nuclear technology applications for decarbonized energy and identify the potential demands in nuclear energy supply and price. The work in these reports supports the recently issued nuclear Executive Orders (EOs). Specifically, EO 14299, “Deploying Advanced Nuclear Reactor Technologies for National Security”, and EO 14300, “Ordering the Reform of the Nuclear Regulatory Commission,” by ensuring the rapid development, deployment, and use of advanced nuclear technologies; and increasing the deployment of new nuclear reactor technologies, such as Generation III+ and IV reactors, modular reactors, and microreactors to support America leading the commercialization of affordable and abundant nuclear energy.

22 - GENERAL STUDIES OF NUCLEAR REACTORS↗
NASA NTRS1982

Photovoltaic module encapsulation design and materials selection, volume 1

Encapsulation material system requirements, material selection criteria, and the status and properties of encapsulation materials and processes available are presented. Technical and economic goals established for photovoltaic modules and encapsulation systems and their status are described. Available encapsulation technology and data are presented to facilitate design and material selection for silicon flat plate photovoltaic modules, using the best materials available and processes optimized for specific power applications and geographic sites. The operational and environmental loads that encapsulation system functional requirements and candidate design concepts and materials that are identified to have the best potential to meet the cost and performance goals for the flat plate solar array project are described. Available data on encapsulant material properties, fabrication processing, and module life and durability characteristics are presented.

Cuddihy, E.↗
DOE OSTI2024

Grid Planning Impacts of Hydropower Growth and Decline

Hydropower and pumped storage hydropower (PSH) have a complex and uncertain future in the U.S. electricity system. On one hand, existing assets have the potential for an expanded role in integrating variable renewable energy while new deployment, particularly of PSH, can help meet growing needs for grid flexibility and improved reliability. On the other hand, challenging environmental and cost considerations could limit the extent of new investments in hydropower and PSH capacity and flexibility. This technical presentation demonstrates the use of a high-fidelity capacity expansion model of the U.S. electric grid (the National Renewable Energy Laboratory's Regional Energy Deployment System) to understand the impacts of alternative futures for the hydropower and PSH fleet, including scenarios of both growth and decline. Growth scenarios include new PSH deployment or improved hydropower flexibility, while scenarios of decline reduce the capacity or energy production potential of hydropower and PSH. Economic, environmental, and performance outcomes of the grid are compared across these scenarios to reveal the potential contributions of hydropower and PSH in the U.S. electric sector over the next several decades, focusing on changes to the grid technology mix, electric sector costs, electricity prices, and air emissions. This broad scenario approach demonstrates how flexible hydropower and PSH can help reduce air emissions and cost by complementing variable renewables, but the opposite can occur with reduced hydropower availability, particularly in the next decade. It is important to consider a wide range of scenarios and metrics to gain a national and regional understanding of hydropower's future in the United States.

capacity expansion↗
NASA NTRS2010

FASTSAT-HSV01 Synergistic Observations of the Magnetospheric Response During Active Periods: MINI-ME, PISA and TTI

Understanding the complex processes within the inner magnetosphere of Earth particularly during storm periods requires coordinated observations of the particle and field environment using both in-situ and remote sensing techniques. In fact in order to gain a better understanding of our Heliophysics and potentially improve our space weather forecasting capabilities, new observation mission approaches and new instrument technologies which can provide both cost effective and robust regular observations of magnetospheric activity and other space weather related phenomenon are necessary. As part of the effort to demonstrate new instrument techniques and achieve necessary coordinated observation missions, NASA's Fast Affordable Science and Technology Satellite Huntsville 01 mission (FASTSAT-HSVOI) scheduled for launch in 2010 will afford a highly synergistic solution which satisfies payload mission opportunities and launch requirements as well as contributing iri the near term to our improved understanding of Heliophysics. NASA's FASTSAT-HSV01 spacecraft on the DoD Space Test Program-S26 (STP-S26) Mission is a multi-payload mission executed by the DoD Space Test Program (STP) at the Space Development and Test Wing (SDTW), Kirtland AFB, NM. and is an example of a responsive and economical breakthrough in providing new possibilities for small space technology-driven and research missions. FASTSAT-HSV is a unique spacecraft platform that can carry multiple small instruments or experiments to low-Earth orbit on a wide range of expendable launch vehicles for a fraction of the cost traditionally required for such missions. The FASTSAT-HSV01 mission allows NASA to mature and transition a technical capability to industry while increasing low-cost access to space for small science and technology (ST) payloads. The FASTSAT-HSV01 payload includes three NASA Goddard Space Flight Center (GSFC) new technology built instruments that will study the terrestrial space environment and potentially contribute to space weather research in a synergistic manner. MINI-ME, a neutral atom imager, will observe the neutral atom inputs to ionospheric heating which can be important during high levels of magnetospheric activity. PISA, a plasma impedance spectrometer, will measure simultaneously the local electron densities and temperatures as well as measure small scale density structure (500 m spatial scale) during these active periods. TTI, a thermospheric imager, will remotely determine the thermospheric temperature response to this magnetospheric activity. Together, these observations will contribute significantly to a comprehensive understanding of the flow of energy through and the response of the storm-time terrestrial magnetosphere.

Casas, Joseph C.↗
DOE OSTI2025

Coal to Carbon Fiber (C2CF) Continuous Processing for High Value Composites (Final Report)

Coal tar is a condensed and recovered by-product of the coking of metallurgical coal for steel production. The heaviest fraction of distilled coal tar is an isotropic pitch largely used as a binder in the manufacturing of carbonaceous electrodes for primary aluminum smelting and in electric arc furnaces. Coal tar pitch offers high carbon yield upon carbonization. In this project, a process to convert the domestically sourced isotropic coal tar pitch, containing very low particulates (QI = 0.32 wt.%), to form flow-domain mesophase pitch amenable for melt spinning into precursor (green) fibers for carbon fiber, was developed and optimized. The final reproducible processing developed is reviewed in this report, along with several characterizations of the mesophase pitch. A final definition of the characteristics of a ‘spinnable’ mesophase pitch is presented. With this mesophase pitch, reproducible and stable multifilament melt spinning was developed, producing green fiber tows with filament diameters of approximately 20 m. The multifilament melt spinning was the most challenging aspect of the project and required the most effort. The best practices learned from this project for melt spinning are reviewed in this report. Once spun, the green fibers were oxidatively stabilized, carbonized and graphitized under inert gas atmosphere to form the final carbon fibers. Given the relatively high softening point of the mesophase pitch, no issues of interfilament fusion were observed during batch oxidation, and subsequent batch carbonization and graphitization went smoothly in all cases. An ~ 80 wt.% conversion of the green fiber mass to final carbon fiber was achieved. After graphitization, the carbon fibers showed high tensile moduli (most were ~ 600 GPa, or 87 Msi) consistent with commercially-available high-performance pitch-based carbon fiber. However, tensile strength and strain to failure were comparatively low. Further work to reduce defects in and on the fiber surfaces would increase these properties. SEM imaging of the graphitic fiber textures is presented herein. Rudimentary composites were fabricated from the carbon fibers and characterized showing similar modulus to baseline composites fabricated with commercial carbon fiber. Finally, a basic economic analysis was done showing the potential to increase the value of the isotropic coal tar pitch by up to 13.6 to 136 times based on a carbon fiber value of $\$$5/lb to $\$$50/lb, respectively. Moreover, the site case study suggests that the coal tar from the single integrated steel mill could supply production of up to 16 kt/yr of carbon fiber. Finally, a technological gap analysis was done which shed light on remaining technical challenges. These challenges included: recovery and utilization of condensates from the mesophase pitch processing, further advancing and increasing stability of the multifilament melt spinning processing, optimization of the oxidation processing, defect reduction for increased carbon fiber strength, and the development of a weaving process towards carbon fiber fabrics. To maximize the coal value chain, the primary objectives of this project were to (a) develop and scale efficient processing technology for producing melt-spinnable mesophase pitch from isotropic coal tar pitch, (b) clarify and simplify tedious continuous fiber processing technologies (particularly multifilament melt spinning of mesophase pitch) towards the efficient production of high performance carbon fiber, and (c) demonstrate and characterize representative composite parts derived from the final carbon fiber. Immense progress was made on all 3 objectives and is detailed in this report.

01 COAL, LIGNITE, AND PEAT↗
NASA NTRS1974

Dynamic conversion of solar generated heat to electricity

The effort undertaken during this program led to the selection of the water-superheated steam (850 psig/900 F) crescent central receiver as the preferred concept from among 11 candidate systems across the technological spectrum of the dynamic conversion of solar generated heat to electricity. The solar power plant designs were investigated in the range of plant capacities from 100 to 1000 Mw(e). The investigations considered the impacts of plant size, collector design, feed-water temperature ratio, heat rejection equipment, ground cover, and location on solar power technical and economic feasibility. For the distributed receiver systems, the optimization studies showed that plant capacities less than 100 Mw(e) may be best. Although the size of central receiver concepts was not parametrically investigated, all indications are that the optimal plant capacity for central receiver systems will be in the range from 50 to 200 Mw(e). Solar thermal power plant site selection criteria and methodology were also established and used to evaluate potentially suitable sites. The result of this effort was to identify a site south of Inyokern, California, as typically suitable for a solar thermal power plant. The criteria used in the selection process included insolation and climatological characteristics, topography, and seismic history as well as water availability.

Powell, J. C.↗
DOE OSTI2025

Ground-Truthing: Exploratory Borehole Characterization and Modeling to Verify and Expand Techno-Economic Evaluation of Earth Source Heat at Cornell U

This report documents the successful completion of DOE award DE-EE0009255: Ground- Truthing: Exploratory Borehole Characterization and Modeling to Verify and Expand Techno- Economic Evaluation of Earth Source Heat at Cornell University . Cornell University is evaluating the technical and economic feasibility of using deep direct-use (DDU) geothermal energy, referred to locally as Earth Source Heat (ESH), to serve as a renewable energy source for campus heating. To meet this objective, Cornell drilled an approximately 3-kilometer-deep exploratory borehole: the Cornell University Borehole Observatory (CUBO), or ESH-1. The team conducted an extensive suite of geophysical, hydrologic, thermal, mechanical, and geochemical measurements to evaluate subsurface conditions and geothermal development potential. This report summarizes the well drilling and testing tasks, findings, and conclusions.

15 GEOTHERMAL ENERGY↗
NASA NTRS1976

Dip coating process: Silicon sheet growth development for the large-area silicon sheet task of the low-cost silicon solar array project

The technical and economic feasibility of producing solar cell quality sheet silicon by dip-coating one surface of carbonized ceramic substrates with a thin layer of large grain polycrystalline silicon was investigated. The dip-coating methods studied were directed toward a minimum cost process with the ultimate objective of producing solar cells with a conversion efficiency of 10% or greater. The technique shows excellent promise for low cost, labor-saving, scale-up potentialities and would provide an end product of sheet silicon with a rigid and strong supportive backing. An experimental dip-coating facility was designed and constructed, several substrates were successfully dip-coated with areas as large as 25 sq cm and thicknesses of 12 micron to 250 micron. There appears to be no serious limitation on the area of a substrate that could be coated. Of the various substrate materials dip-coated, mullite appears to best satisfy the requirement of the program. An inexpensive process was developed for producing mullite in the desired geometry.

Heaps, J. D.↗
DOE OSTI2020

Integrated Energy Systems: 2020 Roadmap

This roadmap defines potential industrial scale integrated energy systems (IES) and identifies key technology gaps to achieving commercial deployment of such systems. IES under consideration could include multiple energy generation resources and energy use paths, with a focus on low-emission technologies, such as nuclear and renewable generators. Together these technologies provide affordable, reliable, and resilient energy while simultaneously reducing environmental emission of CO 2 and greenhouse gases (GHGs). System design and optimization would consider both technical performance and economic viability within various deployment markets.

22 GENERAL STUDIES OF NUCLEAR REACTORS↗
DOE OSTI2021

GT Flex: A Coordinated Multi-Building Pilot Study

Buildings are a significant and untapped resource for providing utility electric grid services. Recent studies have estimated that buildings could reduce the peak demand on the electric grid in the U.S. by almost 25% through effective combinations of energy efficiency (EE) measures and load flexibility strategies (Langevin et al. 2021). The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) has established a goal to triple energy efficiency and demand flexibility in both residential and commercial sections by 2030 compared to 2020 levels (Satchwell et al. 2021). Such findings place buildings alongside electric vehicles, photovoltaics, electric batteries, and other distributed energy resources (DERs) as primary technologies needed for supporting high renewable energy generation grids. Coordinating and optimizing multiple buildings and other DERs is more beneficial and valuable when compared with individual buildings and DERs operating as siloed resources, uncoordinated with others (Olgyay et al. 2020). A pilot study at the Georgia Institute of Technology (GIT) was conducted to evaluate value propositions of a multi-building scale project seeking carbon reduction, energy efficiency and grid-interactive capabilities, by demonstrating the means by which stakeholders can determine the technical and financial merits of grid-interactivity and energy efficiency technologies coordinated across multiple assets. The study focused on analyzing technical feasibility of deploying thermal load flexibility strategies at the multi-building scale, coordinated to not exceed existing infrastructure constraints at the pilot site. Results show that campus can provide 3-3.5 MW of potential load shed over a 4-hour event window through coordinated dispatch of thermal cooling load flexibility without exceeding existing infrastructure capacities. Under future high renewable scenarios, this thermal flexibility resource is also valuable when coordinated to reduce curtailment of intermittent renewables. Economic analyses were performed to effectively communicate various value propositions of grid-interactive and efficient building (GEB) thermal flexibility strategies. Load flexibility presents a financial value proposition to the campus today. By conducting rationalized, coordinated dispatch in response to real time price (RTP) fluctuations, the campus can benefit materially from daily price arbitrage. The RTP signal acts as an aggregating mechanism between the utility and customer to call on demand flexibility resources, with a large portion of the benefit deriving from a relatively small number of days. Realizing and maximizing this benefit with thermal load flexibility requires careful attention to the timing of pricing signals and parameterization of dispatch to overcome efficiency penalties. Grid value and signals are expected to evolve over time, and thermal load flexibility shows potential to adapt dispatch logic to support intermittent renewable generation.

32 ENERGY CONSERVATION, CONSUMPTION, AND UTILIZATI↗
DOE OSTI2025

Community-Centric Microgrid Feasibility Analysis Framework to Accelerate Resilience of Island Communities

Marine energy offers a reliable energy solution for island and coastal communities, which often lack traditional local generation, to support their transition to energy independence and reduce reliance on externally imported fuels. Successful deployment of new technologies in these isolated locations requires community acceptance and approval from the outset, as these communities typically lack the financial and technical resources to operate and maintain new systems. This report presents a community-centric microgrid planning framework for remote coastal and island communities. Community engagement is integrated as the first step in the planning process, incorporating community profiles and visions into energy development scenarios. A case study was conducted in St. George, Pribilof Islands, Alaska, which relies entirely on diesel yet has significant wind and wave energy potential. Community engagement revealed a unique history and current economic status, with an interest in adopting advanced energy technologies despite past failures. Various microgrid configurations were optimized, considering different technologies to meet current and future energy needs while balancing cost and energy resilience. Wave energy converters (WECs) were a key component, integrated with other energy sources using the Xendee optimization tool. The Marine Energy Microgrid Toolkit, developed as part of this work, uses commercial power system analysis tools to optimize and analyze microgrid scenarios. The developed framework and toolkit can be applied to island and coastal communities to enhance resilience and support microgrid deployments. Future enhancements will include incorporating new marine resources, developing dynamic models, and automating the integration of Xendee and PowerFactory simulations.

02 PETROLEUM↗
DOE OSTI2023

Distribution Grid Impacts of Community Solar [Slides]

Community solar (CS) projects often face uncertain interconnection costs and fees associated with distribution grid infrastructure upgrades required to connect the project. These costs can determine the economic viability of a CS project, but they are difficult to assess. Cost uncertainty can discourage new projects and prevent communities from accessing the benefits of community solar projects. At the same time, CS deployment strategies hold potential to defer or avoid some distribution costs due to new loads. To mitigate CS interconnection costs, it is important to find least-cost combinations of distribution system infrastructure solutions (transformer upgrades, reconductoring, voltage regulators, storage), and to understand how location of CS projects within a feeder impact distribution grid upgrade costs. This study aims to quantify CS impacts on the distribution grid and provide policy and regulatory insights and CS deployment strategies to address them. It is the first analysis that has systematically studied the technical impacts of community solar projects on a wide range of distribution feeders using state-of-the-art optimization and power flow tools. The analysis employs Berkeley Lab’s novel Least-cost Optimal Distribution Grid Expansion (LODGE) model, a deterministic version of the REPAIR model, that optimally upgrades hundreds or even thousands of distribution circuits or feeders. This is the first application of the LODGE model. LODGE finds the least-cost portfolio of traditional distribution system upgrades to integrate CS in combination with alternative solutions, such as utility-owned storage and downsizing CS capacity. Working with a set of least-cost solutions per feeder allows us to benchmark, compare and find techno-economic trends in CS interconnection.

14 SOLAR ENERGY↗
DOE OSTI2020

Economic Perspectives of Biogas Production via Anaerobic Digestion

As the demand for utilizing environment-friendly and sustainable energy sources is increasing, the adoption of waste-to-energy technologies has started gaining attention. Producing biogas via anaerobic digestion (AD) is promising and well-established; however, this process in many circumstances is unable to be cost competitive with natural gas. In this research, we provide a technical assessment of current process challenges and compare the cost of biogas production via the AD process from the literature, Aspen Plus process modeling, and CapdetWorks software. We also provide insights on critical factors affecting the AD process and recommendations on optimizing the process. We utilize four types of wet wastes, including wastewater sludge, food waste, swine manure, and fat, oil, and grease, to provide a quantitative assessment of theoretical energy yields of biogas production and its economic potential at different plant scales. Our results show that the cost of biogas production from process and economic models are in line with the literature with a potential to go even lower for small-scale plants with technological advancements. This research illuminates potential cost savings for biogas production using different wastes and guide investors to make informed decisions, while achieving waste management goals.

59 BASIC BIOLOGICAL SCIENCES↗